Chapter 62
Duncan quickly glanced over at Alex before flicking the lights off. It left the room bathed only in light from the moon and the streetlights from the bank. Quietly, he opened the door and disappeared out onto the deck. Alex looked around the room her heart quickening.
"To hell with this" she said under her breath as she started to move towards the other door.
"My dear lady where to you think you're going?" Fitz said as he caught hold of Alex's arm "Out there".
Fitz didn't realise his grip "Mac told us to wait here. I know Mac's explained the rules our fight is one on one"
Alex pulled her arm from Fitz's grasp "Yeah I know but there's nothing about watching his back. Now either you go or I do".
Fitz rolled his eyes pushing his pipe into his pocket and grabbing his coat "Mac isn't going to like this".
Alex watched as Fitz slowly opened the door by the bed and disappeared into the night. She walked across to the couch and sat down taking one of the cushions hugging it close to her. Alex remembered just how much she hated waiting.
Duncan kept low as he made his way around the barge his eyes searching the bank but as he had come to expect there was no-one to see but he felt them. Just as Duncan came round to the gangplank he became aware of another Immortal and he brought his sword to the on guard position.
"Fitz! I thought I told you to stay below with Alex".
"The Lady insisted that I came out here or she would" Fitz said as he lowered his sword. Duncan was about to respond when a dark figure emerging from the shadows took both Fitz and Duncan's attention. Neither could see the face of the stranger as a large black hat was tilted over his face and he was wearing a long black leather coat. Slowly, the stranger lifted his arm, pointed and beckoned to Duncan.
Duncan turned to Fitz "I guess he wants just me. Now, you stay here I don't need to worry about you or Alex."
Fitz nodded and watched as Duncan walked down the gangplank towards the stranger. As Duncan walked closer the stranger backed away into the tunnel under the bridge.
"Oh no you don't" Duncan said as he quickened his pace but as Duncan's pace increased so did the stranger soon Duncan was a full run. Slowly he started to gain on his prey. The stranger looked over his shoulder as he pulled a radio from his pocket "Meet me at Rue de Bernardins. Now".
As the stranger fumbled trying to put the radio back into his pocket as he ran, it crashed to the ground smashing into pieces on the concrete. Duncan looked down on the shattered pieces of plastic as he ran past and he knew his time was running out to catch this Immortal. Duncan ran round the corner into Rue de Bernardins and there stood in the middle of the road was the stranger; Duncan slowed to a walk his hands gripping the hilt of his sword. "Now it's just you and me"
The sound of a motorcycle revving behind him made Duncan look round just managing to jump out of the way as the bike sped past, screeching to a halt in front of the other Immortal. Duncan managed to gain his balance leaping forward his sword brandished in front of him but the other Immortal jumped onto the back of the bike. As it accelerated away the black hat the stranger was wearing flew off and Duncan could see that the Immortal had short very light, nearly white, blonde hair and something deep in his memory stirred. As the sound of the motorbike faded Duncan became aware that he was stood in the middle of the Paris Street his sword held in front of him, quickly he looked around. There was a man who was the worse for drink trying to focus his eyes on what he was seeing and a couple curled in each other's arms on a bench. Duncan was thankful that they were too lost in each other to notice a man in the middle of the road with a sword.
Duncan turned the sword upside down so the blade rested behind his arm so only the hilt and the tip were visible as he made his way back to the barge.
Alex paced the floor checking her watch every few moments Fitz looked up from lighting his pipe "Don't worry Mac can take care of himself. He's been doing it for centuries".
Alex sighed "I know what you're saying Fitz" Alex rubbed her hand over her forehead " I'm just not used to waiting".
As Fitz felt the presence of an Immortal he got to his feet placing his pipe into one of his waistcoat pockets "Wait here".
Fitz moved silently around the deck he sighed with relief when he saw Duncan walking up the gangplank. "My dear boy you gave me quite a fright. Did you get what you wanted?"
One look at Duncan's eyes told him that he hadn't "Is Alex all right?"
Fitz smiled as he patted his pockets looking for his pipe, "other than wearing a rut in your floor she's fine".
Duncan leaned against the wheelhouse Fitz moved to join him "This seems to have rattled you a little Laddie".
"I just can't understand why he won't face me Fitz and I've no idea who it is" Duncan said wiping his hand over his face. "Well if he won't challenge you maybe he's not confident of his sword arm and this is the only way he knows how to get the upper hand. All you need to do is keep your nerve my boy. He'll tire of these games eventually".
Alex had heard the footsteps on the deck and finally she couldn't wait any longer. She had only walked up a few steps when she stopped listening to Fitz and Duncan talking. "What worries me was he had help tonight from a mortal."
"You're worried about Alex aren't you?" Fitz took his pipe out of his waist coat pocket.
"I see you've grown fond of her," Fitz said as he lit his pipe. Duncan looked at Fitz sighed and nodded "I think I have, but there is still so much I don't know about her Fitz and she's not the sort to take a back seat".
"And that worries you?" Fitz questioned as he puffed on his pipe. "Yes it worries me. She takes too many risks with her life and for a mortal living in our world that can be very deadly. We've known each other for such a short time and I can't handle the thought of losing her".
Alex quietly went back down the steps and pulled the door closed with a bang to announce her entrance, as she didn't want them thinking she had been listening. Fitz stood up as Alex approached "Well Laddie, If you don't need me any longer I'll make a move".
"Thanks for your help Fitz."
"Think nothing of it dear boy. If you need me I'll be at Hotel Cambon." Fitz said before walking over to Alex and taking her hand and lightly kissing the back of it. "Good night dear lady".
Alex moved closer to Duncan as they watched Fitz walk away into the night. She moved to stand in front of Duncan looking into his eyes.
"Are you all right Duncan?" she said as she let her hands gently stroked his cheeks. Duncan took hold of her hands bring them together kissing them before pulling Alex closer. "There is some one out there and I want you to promise me that you'll keep me between you and them"
"Duncan I'm a big girl. Handling bad guys is what I do" Duncan's hands caressed her face "Not like these. I can't deal with whoever is out there and worry about you and if you are to stay with me you'll have to let me deal with these things on my own. Do you understand?"
Alex tried to look away but Duncan moved his head so she couldn't. Finally Alex nodded "I know that I sometimes act first and think later but I will try Duncan".
"That's all I ask" Duncan said before pulling her towards him until their lips met at first lightly then Duncan's fingers laced through Alex's hair as he crushed her lips to his for awhile there was nothing else in the world but them. Duncan then took Alex's hand and led her below, he locked the door before leading Alex towards the bed. Smoothing her hair from her face he looked deep into her eyes as her hands ran down his chest. Duncan went to speak but Alex placed her fingers onto his lips stopping the words before they formed. She then pressed her lips to his, her arms slipping behind his neck as he lifted her from the ground and gently placed her on the bed.
It was several hours before they lay exhausted in each other's arms. Alex watched Duncan sleep in the dim light of the barge before she lightly kissed his cheek and whispered, "I love you Duncan MacLeod".
The sound of her voice and the warmth of her breath made Duncan stir but he didn't wake. Alex wished she had the nerve to tell him when he was awake but Duncan was the first person she had ever let herself feel this way about, to get so close to her and it frightened her.
The first rays of a new day woke Alex, she rolled over but the space beside her was empty. Sliding out of bed Alex dressed and made some coffee before going out on deck. As she had expected Duncan was sat at the small table his eyes scanning the bank "I thought I'd find you up here. Trouble sleeping?"
Alex sat down in the chair opposite to Duncan who blinked and turned to face her. "Sorry, I hope I didn't wake you".
Alex smiled "No the sunlight woke me. Did you sleep at all?"
Duncan rubbed his hand over his eyes before picking up the coffee cup "A little".
"Hey, I've an idea how do you feel about a walk, it's a lovely morning and you haven't taken me to the Luxembourg Gardens yet. I've heard it's beautiful in the dawn light," Alex said reaching across placing her hand on his arm "Please".
"Ok, we'll take a walk. I'll just grab my coat" Duncan smiled his hand cupping Alex's face as he got to his feet. How quickly he had grown accustomed to her face, to her ways and her smile he thought as he went inside.
There were no other cars in the parking lot when Duncan turned the car into one of the empty slots. It was still very early and they were alone as they walked the path towards lake. Alex slipped her hand into his "It's so beautiful here. I can see why people like coming here."
As they walked round one of the large statues Alex exclaimed, "WOW that's some house!"
"It was built for Marie de Medicis it was started in 1615 and it took 12 years to build" Duncan explained as they walked closer "Did you see it being built?"
Duncan laughed, "No, I was still in the Highlands I thought it was the only place on earth, I had no idea Paris even existed".
"I still find it incredible that you were alive then and you still look so good" Alex moved so she was facing him her hands resting on his chest. Something out the corner of her eye took her attention.
"Are you all right?" Duncan asked seeing her distraction.
"I'm fine. It's just so beautiful here" Alex answered a little unsure what she had seen but she didn't want to bother Duncan with it until she was sure.
Duncan was about to question her further when his cell phone started ringing.
"I'll walk on," Alex whispered and pointed towards the lake.
"MacLeod. Joe? It's a little early for you isn't it".
As Alex walked she had an overwhelming feeling that she was being watched looking over her shoulder she could see Duncan was still talking on his cell phone. As she looked back she saw a figure moving closer. Trying not to show she had noticed Alex walked behind one of the statues and stopped her hand reaching instinctively under her jacket but it only found empty space. Swearing under her breath Alex looked around her eyes finally locking onto an old umbrella poking out of a bin. Alex moved so she could peer around the statue without being notice. The figure had moved to a line of bushes closest to her. Alex then walked past the bin hooking the umbrella out as she went, the figure in the bushes followed. Alex paused at the next statue waiting just long enough for the person following to become curious at her disappearance. Alex had rolled the umbrella up as best she could and readied herself as the footstep came closer.
"I didn't wake you?" Joe responded.
"No we're out for a walk" Duncan replied as he look down the path but it bent round so he could no longer see Alex.
"I've had guys working on this all night"
"You've found something?"
As the man became visible round the statue Alex hit him in the stomach with all her might, causing him to take a few steps doubling over. Alex used his momentum to add to the force of her knee as she rammed it into his head, his nose gave a sickening crack before the man lost his footing and fell to the ground. Alex stepped closer the umbrella raised over her head as she looked down. Blood from the man's nose was spreading across his face "Now are you going to tell me why you're following us or should I break something else".
Alex hadn't heard the soft footsteps coming up behind her and before she could react she felt something cold at her throat.
"Yeah, he hasn't had a watcher for years but he came across an Immortal that did."
"Joe, this is very nice back ground but what's his name"
The sound of the man crying out as Alex's knee smashed into his nose made Duncan turn, his blood running cold at the sound.
"I'll call you later Joe. I've gotta go" Duncan snapped the phone shut and thrust it into his pocket before Joe could tell him anymore. Duncan quickened his pace down the path he had seen Alex take.
As the cold steel bit into her neck, a voice heavily accented breathed into her ear "Why didn't you just come quietly?"
"I never do things quietly," Alex, said through gritted teeth as she was trying to see who was holding her. Alex then felt the man's body tense as it pressed against her.
"ALEX!" Duncan shouted as he ran round the bend in the path. As Duncan skidded to a halt it didn't take him long to take in the scene before him, a mortal groaning on the ground his face covered with blood and a young looking blonde haired Immortal with the blade of his German Sabre at Alex's throat.
"Let her go she's not part of this" Duncan growled as he pulled his katana from his coat.
"Arr. MacLeod this is most unfortunate. Our meeting wasn't supposed to happen yet," Christie said making sure to keep Alex between them.
Duncan could see the Immortal was shaken by his appearance as the colour had started to drain from his face. "Look if you want to challenge me I'm here. Just let her go".
Before the Immortal could answer the mortal started to struggle to his feet taking Duncan's attention. This gave Christie his chance to back away his sword still at Alex's throat. A well-placed kick from Duncan sent the mortal crashing back to the ground this time into oblivion. Duncan quickly focused back on the Immortal and he ran forward cutting off the Immortal's escape. As the Immortal stopped suddenly as Duncan blocked his path. His sword biting deeper into Alex's neck causing her face to grimace with the pain and a trickle of warm blood slowly ran down her neck.
"Look, We don't have to fight. You could let her go and leave. I don't have any quarrel with you" Duncan kept his voice calm and his free hand outstretched, he wanted the man as relaxed as possible so he might let his guard down even if it was just a little.
"And of course you're a man of your word" the Immortal sneered. "I've never met you. I see no reason for us to fight"
As he spoke Duncan noticed the sword relax slightly from Alex's throat. Alex looked across at Duncan their eyes met and she saw the slightest movement in Duncan's eyes and she hoped she was reading him right. "No one has to die here today. All I want is my friend"
Alex felt the sword at her throat drop away slightly; taking her chance she rammed her elbow as hard as she could into the Immortal's stomach. A split second later Alex stomped hard on the Immortal's instep causing the man's sword arm to drop further away from her neck and with as much power and speed as she could find Alex smashed her fist first into the man's nose before it smashing it into his groin. As the Immortal dropped his sword and doubled over with the pain Alex dived to the side rolling across the ground coming to her feet beside Duncan, who was grimacing at the pain the other Immortal, must have been feeling at the last blow. "That's gotta hurt".
Duncan didn't give the Immortal time to recover before bring his sword up to the man's neck.
"I knew you were a coward. Letting a girl do your fighting for you" Duncan looked round at Alex throwing her the car keys "Take the car and go back to the barge"
"What about you?" Alex questioned as she caught the keys. Duncan's eyes moved from her to the Immortal "You know our fight is one on one."
"But.."
"No Buts GO!" Duncan shouted before turning his attention back to the Immortal. "I don't let mortals fight for me and I don't hide behind women but I will fight when I'm challenged".
Alex hesitated for a moment before running up the path towards the car park. Duncan stepped back his sword dropping back to his side.
"Pick it up" Duncan said pointing his sword to where the German Sabre lay.
"I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod" Duncan said as he brought his sword up into the on guard position.
"I'm Marcus Christie at your service" Christie said with a flourish of his hand.
"Well Marcus Christie you've been watching me a long time. I see no reason to prolong this game of yours any longer" Duncan said as he slowly walked around Christie.
Christie grinned, "you should've seen your face. Unnerved, off balance, unable to sleep. I was having so much fun. It's a shame that girl had to spoil things I had a lot more fun planned for you. I hate rushing things".
"Well let's have some fun now" Duncan said smiling as he lunged forward their swords meeting in a spray of spark.
Alex stopped the car on the quayside by the barge she sat staring out of the windscreen for what seemed an eternity before she managed to will her body to move. As she finally walked up the gangplank Alex felt distant and removed from the world around her, all her thoughts were with Duncan. Alex wandered through the barge towards the couch, sitting down on the edge, what could have happened and what might still happen played before her eyes. The inside of the barge disappeared as her eyes misted with tears
"How could I have been so stupid" she said out loud to the shadows before placing her head in her hands. 'If only I'd gone back to Duncan when I first saw that man but no you had to blunder in. Why didn't I think about another man.'
Alex slowly raised her head it was then that she noticed the red light blinking on the desk. Alex got to her feet and walked over to the desk, she sighed before pressing the play button as she had a feeling who the message was from.
The tape crackled before a familiar voice boomed out "Err this is McCormack Alex I have no choice I have to call you back Ray is missing he hasn't made his last 3 check ins. I've no one else that knows this group well enough to be of use. Call me. Usual number"
Alex rubbed her eyes she had tried not to think about her other life since McCormack's last call but now it couldn't be ignored. She turned and leaned back against the desk.
Duncan parried another blow from Christie "Not bad"
The force Christie now used took Duncan by surprise forcing him backwards defending all the way. Duncan had never met Christie before and had been slightly fooled by the Immortal's youthful appearance. It was a mistake he won't make again. Duncan jumped back arching his back away from Christie's lunge. Christie had been unprepared for his attack not to meet it's target sending him stumbling forward allow Duncan's blade to slice deep into Christie's left arm.
Duncan span round as he followed through with the cut adding a little flourish just to unnerve his opponent even further. Christie looked down at the blood as it spread its way through the fibres of his jacket. As Christie lifted his head Duncan could see the hate burning in his eyes as he lunged forward. The words of his clansman and teacher Connor drifted through his mind "anger doesn't give you an edge it blunts it".
An important lesson that had taken Duncan several times of finding himself on the wrong side of his clansman's sword before he realised what his teacher was telling him. Christie's sword clashed again with Duncan's the force of the attack forcing Duncan back against one of the large statues Christie pressing his sword down hard towards Duncan's chest. The tip of Christie's blade managed to just slice into Duncan's leather jacket.
"Are you going to tell me what I did that made you want my head" Duncan whispered breathlessly as he fought to keep his own blade from being pushed into his chest. "You killed a good friend".
Duncan tried to think of anyone that would possible match that brief description
"Who?" Duncan questioned before bring his right knee forcibly up into Christie's groin forcing him to back away. Duncan moved away from the statue his blade pointing at Christie. It wasn't long before Christie recovered bring his sword to on guard. Duncan flicked his sword just making contact with Christie's Sabre as he walked forward but as Duncan went to attack Christie moved his Sabre from side to side with what seemed like lighting speed.
"Arrr. I've seen that one before" Duncan said as he countered the attack Christie now launched "So you must have known Walter Reinhart"
"He was a great man and you killed him" Christie said pointing his sword towards Duncan before drawing his blade back before lunging forward his attack was ferocious forcing Duncan to parry blow after blow.
"Great man? He was a murderer" Duncan shouted back just before faking a fall a broad grin broke across Christie's face as he raised his sword over his head for the final blow. But before he could bring his sword down Duncan thrust his sword forward and upwards slicing through Christie's stomach, grinding across his ribcage as it tore through the tissue of his lung before piercing his heart. Christie stared down with a look of horror and fear in his eyes. His strength failing him as his Sabre fell from his grasp.
"I've a few fancy moves of my own" Duncan smiled as he pulled his blade from Christie's body. Duncan watched as Christie's hands fumbled as they tried to stop the blood that was now racing from his body. With the loss of blood Christie's strength failed him and he crumbled to his knees. Duncan stood up raising his sword over his head.
"Say hello to Walter for me" Duncan said just before he brought his sword down for one final blow, Christie's neck gave little resistance to Duncan's blade. Duncan managed to walk a little way from the body onto an area of green away from the statue before the quickening found him.
As Duncan neared the barge he could see Alex stood on the deck looking out across the river her arms folded tightly around her body. Wearily Duncan walked up the gangplank but as he reached the top he stopped, at Alex's feet was a black holdall. "You're leaving?"
The sound of Duncan's voice made Alex turned around. She had been rehearsing what she was going to say for what seemed like hours but as her eyes met his all her well-chosen words deserted her.
"I have to" she stammered.
"Can I at least know why?" Duncan asked as he walked towards her. Alex moved nearer to the edge of the barge her eyes scanning the far bank before turning back. "McCormack called he had to send Ray undercover with a group I've been dealing with and now he's missing".
"I thought you didn't want to go back?" Duncan said as he reached for Alex's arm. Alex felt the cool morning breeze on her face as she turned away, inside she could feel her heart breaking.
"I don't but I don't have a choice. I'm Ray's only chance." Alex said as turned back to face him.
Alex blinked back her tears "I don't know how to do anything else Duncan and there isn't anyone else. With Thomas dead and Ray missing I'm the best undercover agent he has"
"Then we'll go together," Duncan said gently taking Alex by the arm turning her towards him. Alex looked down at the deck before looking up into his eyes. "No, Duncan. Ray's not the only reason I have to leave."
"So what else?" Duncan asked as he looked into her eyes.
"As much as I want to be with you this is something that I have to do alone. I made you a promise but I can't just stand by" Duncan shook his head and as went to speak but Alex placed her hand on his lips stopping him.
"Duncan, You've given me more than I can ever repay. You gave me life when I was only just existing. But Thomas was right about me I take too many risk and I don't care who gets hurt, or at least I didn't. What I did this morning put you at risk. You could've been killed."
"So could you." Duncan said as he searched her eyes.
"Yes, I made a rookie's mistake I decide to take that guy down without thinking he would have help let alone it would be an Immortal. But when you came round the corner and saw the sword at my throat I saw the look in your eyes. It was there for the briefest time but it was still there. You considered doing what he asked and in that moment I knew that what I had just done could've cost you your life." Alex reached up her hand, her fingers lightly tracing the side of his face.
"I made you a promise to stay out of it, to keep you between me and the Immortal and I couldn't keep it for even a day" a single tear broke free, slowly running down her cheek.
"But you'll be risking your life if you go back."
Alex smiled weakly "Yes, but it's my life to risk. I don't have the right to risk yours. Our worlds aren't that different we both fight evil but we operate better in our own worlds. We know the risks and how to deal with them. I want to stay Duncan more than anything but before I can I have to work a few things out."
Duncan pulled Alex into his embrace.
"I'll be here when you do" Duncan's voice trembled as he spoke and he kissed her hair before resting his head on hers. Alex felt the warmth of his body as he held her tight. Alex was relieved when the sound of a car horn heralded the arrival of her cab, before his warmth melted all her resolve away. "That's my cab".
Duncan lifted her chin, looked deep into her eyes before kissing her tenderly on the lips. Alex finally pulled away picking up her bag with one hand while the other hand held onto his hand for as long as she could as she slowly walked to the gangplank. Alex sighed deeply "I'll miss you Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod."
As her fingers let go of his hand she wiped away the tears "take care".
As Alex walked towards the waiting cab Duncan called out "Alex! If you need anything, anything at all, you know where to find me."
Alex smiled and nodded "Thank you, Duncan that means a lot. Maybe I could spend some of the vacation I'm owed in Paris?"
Duncan smiled and nodded back "I'd like that. There's still so much I haven't shown you".
As Alex got into the cab Joe's car pulled up on quayside. Duncan could see the confused look on Joe's face as he got out and watched as the cab drove past with Alex hiding her face so the tears that were now streaming down her face could not be seen. "Was that Alex?"
"Yeah" Duncan nodded as he turned and made his way back into the barge.
"Yeah, is that all you've got to say. Well is she coming back?"
Duncan poured two glasses of whiskey handing one to Joe. "She has some things to take care of but I think she'll be back one day".
"You didn't let me finish telling you what my guys found out" Joe said as he walked over to the chair by the fire.
"I know the Immortal's name Joe. It was Marcus Christie" Duncan said as he took a sip of his whiskey before sitting down opposite Joe on the couch.
"Yeah, but he's not the one you need to worry about. The Immortal we had the watcher on was Stephan Niemann"
The look of recognition and disgust on Duncan's face as he drained the whisky from the glass wasn't missed by Joe, he knew some of the history between them from the Chronicles but he also knew it wasn't complete.
"Did you hear who I said?"
"Yes, Joe I heard and if he wants me he knows where I am". Joe shook his head at Duncan's matter a fact answer.
"Who do we stay with?" a voice came from the front of the limousine parked on the road above the quayside.
"We stay with the girl" came the heavily German accented voice from the rear as the smoke glass window glided up.
"But I thought your beef was with that guy?"
"It is but I have all the time in the world to settle that one".
The sequel will be coming soon.
Duncan quickly glanced over at Alex before flicking the lights off. It left the room bathed only in light from the moon and the streetlights from the bank. Quietly, he opened the door and disappeared out onto the deck. Alex looked around the room her heart quickening.
"To hell with this" she said under her breath as she started to move towards the other door.
"My dear lady where to you think you're going?" Fitz said as he caught hold of Alex's arm "Out there".
Fitz didn't realise his grip "Mac told us to wait here. I know Mac's explained the rules our fight is one on one"
Alex pulled her arm from Fitz's grasp "Yeah I know but there's nothing about watching his back. Now either you go or I do".
Fitz rolled his eyes pushing his pipe into his pocket and grabbing his coat "Mac isn't going to like this".
Alex watched as Fitz slowly opened the door by the bed and disappeared into the night. She walked across to the couch and sat down taking one of the cushions hugging it close to her. Alex remembered just how much she hated waiting.
Duncan kept low as he made his way around the barge his eyes searching the bank but as he had come to expect there was no-one to see but he felt them. Just as Duncan came round to the gangplank he became aware of another Immortal and he brought his sword to the on guard position.
"Fitz! I thought I told you to stay below with Alex".
"The Lady insisted that I came out here or she would" Fitz said as he lowered his sword. Duncan was about to respond when a dark figure emerging from the shadows took both Fitz and Duncan's attention. Neither could see the face of the stranger as a large black hat was tilted over his face and he was wearing a long black leather coat. Slowly, the stranger lifted his arm, pointed and beckoned to Duncan.
Duncan turned to Fitz "I guess he wants just me. Now, you stay here I don't need to worry about you or Alex."
Fitz nodded and watched as Duncan walked down the gangplank towards the stranger. As Duncan walked closer the stranger backed away into the tunnel under the bridge.
"Oh no you don't" Duncan said as he quickened his pace but as Duncan's pace increased so did the stranger soon Duncan was a full run. Slowly he started to gain on his prey. The stranger looked over his shoulder as he pulled a radio from his pocket "Meet me at Rue de Bernardins. Now".
As the stranger fumbled trying to put the radio back into his pocket as he ran, it crashed to the ground smashing into pieces on the concrete. Duncan looked down on the shattered pieces of plastic as he ran past and he knew his time was running out to catch this Immortal. Duncan ran round the corner into Rue de Bernardins and there stood in the middle of the road was the stranger; Duncan slowed to a walk his hands gripping the hilt of his sword. "Now it's just you and me"
The sound of a motorcycle revving behind him made Duncan look round just managing to jump out of the way as the bike sped past, screeching to a halt in front of the other Immortal. Duncan managed to gain his balance leaping forward his sword brandished in front of him but the other Immortal jumped onto the back of the bike. As it accelerated away the black hat the stranger was wearing flew off and Duncan could see that the Immortal had short very light, nearly white, blonde hair and something deep in his memory stirred. As the sound of the motorbike faded Duncan became aware that he was stood in the middle of the Paris Street his sword held in front of him, quickly he looked around. There was a man who was the worse for drink trying to focus his eyes on what he was seeing and a couple curled in each other's arms on a bench. Duncan was thankful that they were too lost in each other to notice a man in the middle of the road with a sword.
Duncan turned the sword upside down so the blade rested behind his arm so only the hilt and the tip were visible as he made his way back to the barge.
Alex paced the floor checking her watch every few moments Fitz looked up from lighting his pipe "Don't worry Mac can take care of himself. He's been doing it for centuries".
Alex sighed "I know what you're saying Fitz" Alex rubbed her hand over her forehead " I'm just not used to waiting".
As Fitz felt the presence of an Immortal he got to his feet placing his pipe into one of his waistcoat pockets "Wait here".
Fitz moved silently around the deck he sighed with relief when he saw Duncan walking up the gangplank. "My dear boy you gave me quite a fright. Did you get what you wanted?"
One look at Duncan's eyes told him that he hadn't "Is Alex all right?"
Fitz smiled as he patted his pockets looking for his pipe, "other than wearing a rut in your floor she's fine".
Duncan leaned against the wheelhouse Fitz moved to join him "This seems to have rattled you a little Laddie".
"I just can't understand why he won't face me Fitz and I've no idea who it is" Duncan said wiping his hand over his face. "Well if he won't challenge you maybe he's not confident of his sword arm and this is the only way he knows how to get the upper hand. All you need to do is keep your nerve my boy. He'll tire of these games eventually".
Alex had heard the footsteps on the deck and finally she couldn't wait any longer. She had only walked up a few steps when she stopped listening to Fitz and Duncan talking. "What worries me was he had help tonight from a mortal."
"You're worried about Alex aren't you?" Fitz took his pipe out of his waist coat pocket.
"I see you've grown fond of her," Fitz said as he lit his pipe. Duncan looked at Fitz sighed and nodded "I think I have, but there is still so much I don't know about her Fitz and she's not the sort to take a back seat".
"And that worries you?" Fitz questioned as he puffed on his pipe. "Yes it worries me. She takes too many risks with her life and for a mortal living in our world that can be very deadly. We've known each other for such a short time and I can't handle the thought of losing her".
Alex quietly went back down the steps and pulled the door closed with a bang to announce her entrance, as she didn't want them thinking she had been listening. Fitz stood up as Alex approached "Well Laddie, If you don't need me any longer I'll make a move".
"Thanks for your help Fitz."
"Think nothing of it dear boy. If you need me I'll be at Hotel Cambon." Fitz said before walking over to Alex and taking her hand and lightly kissing the back of it. "Good night dear lady".
Alex moved closer to Duncan as they watched Fitz walk away into the night. She moved to stand in front of Duncan looking into his eyes.
"Are you all right Duncan?" she said as she let her hands gently stroked his cheeks. Duncan took hold of her hands bring them together kissing them before pulling Alex closer. "There is some one out there and I want you to promise me that you'll keep me between you and them"
"Duncan I'm a big girl. Handling bad guys is what I do" Duncan's hands caressed her face "Not like these. I can't deal with whoever is out there and worry about you and if you are to stay with me you'll have to let me deal with these things on my own. Do you understand?"
Alex tried to look away but Duncan moved his head so she couldn't. Finally Alex nodded "I know that I sometimes act first and think later but I will try Duncan".
"That's all I ask" Duncan said before pulling her towards him until their lips met at first lightly then Duncan's fingers laced through Alex's hair as he crushed her lips to his for awhile there was nothing else in the world but them. Duncan then took Alex's hand and led her below, he locked the door before leading Alex towards the bed. Smoothing her hair from her face he looked deep into her eyes as her hands ran down his chest. Duncan went to speak but Alex placed her fingers onto his lips stopping the words before they formed. She then pressed her lips to his, her arms slipping behind his neck as he lifted her from the ground and gently placed her on the bed.
It was several hours before they lay exhausted in each other's arms. Alex watched Duncan sleep in the dim light of the barge before she lightly kissed his cheek and whispered, "I love you Duncan MacLeod".
The sound of her voice and the warmth of her breath made Duncan stir but he didn't wake. Alex wished she had the nerve to tell him when he was awake but Duncan was the first person she had ever let herself feel this way about, to get so close to her and it frightened her.
The first rays of a new day woke Alex, she rolled over but the space beside her was empty. Sliding out of bed Alex dressed and made some coffee before going out on deck. As she had expected Duncan was sat at the small table his eyes scanning the bank "I thought I'd find you up here. Trouble sleeping?"
Alex sat down in the chair opposite to Duncan who blinked and turned to face her. "Sorry, I hope I didn't wake you".
Alex smiled "No the sunlight woke me. Did you sleep at all?"
Duncan rubbed his hand over his eyes before picking up the coffee cup "A little".
"Hey, I've an idea how do you feel about a walk, it's a lovely morning and you haven't taken me to the Luxembourg Gardens yet. I've heard it's beautiful in the dawn light," Alex said reaching across placing her hand on his arm "Please".
"Ok, we'll take a walk. I'll just grab my coat" Duncan smiled his hand cupping Alex's face as he got to his feet. How quickly he had grown accustomed to her face, to her ways and her smile he thought as he went inside.
There were no other cars in the parking lot when Duncan turned the car into one of the empty slots. It was still very early and they were alone as they walked the path towards lake. Alex slipped her hand into his "It's so beautiful here. I can see why people like coming here."
As they walked round one of the large statues Alex exclaimed, "WOW that's some house!"
"It was built for Marie de Medicis it was started in 1615 and it took 12 years to build" Duncan explained as they walked closer "Did you see it being built?"
Duncan laughed, "No, I was still in the Highlands I thought it was the only place on earth, I had no idea Paris even existed".
"I still find it incredible that you were alive then and you still look so good" Alex moved so she was facing him her hands resting on his chest. Something out the corner of her eye took her attention.
"Are you all right?" Duncan asked seeing her distraction.
"I'm fine. It's just so beautiful here" Alex answered a little unsure what she had seen but she didn't want to bother Duncan with it until she was sure.
Duncan was about to question her further when his cell phone started ringing.
"I'll walk on," Alex whispered and pointed towards the lake.
"MacLeod. Joe? It's a little early for you isn't it".
As Alex walked she had an overwhelming feeling that she was being watched looking over her shoulder she could see Duncan was still talking on his cell phone. As she looked back she saw a figure moving closer. Trying not to show she had noticed Alex walked behind one of the statues and stopped her hand reaching instinctively under her jacket but it only found empty space. Swearing under her breath Alex looked around her eyes finally locking onto an old umbrella poking out of a bin. Alex moved so she could peer around the statue without being notice. The figure had moved to a line of bushes closest to her. Alex then walked past the bin hooking the umbrella out as she went, the figure in the bushes followed. Alex paused at the next statue waiting just long enough for the person following to become curious at her disappearance. Alex had rolled the umbrella up as best she could and readied herself as the footstep came closer.
"I didn't wake you?" Joe responded.
"No we're out for a walk" Duncan replied as he look down the path but it bent round so he could no longer see Alex.
"I've had guys working on this all night"
"You've found something?"
As the man became visible round the statue Alex hit him in the stomach with all her might, causing him to take a few steps doubling over. Alex used his momentum to add to the force of her knee as she rammed it into his head, his nose gave a sickening crack before the man lost his footing and fell to the ground. Alex stepped closer the umbrella raised over her head as she looked down. Blood from the man's nose was spreading across his face "Now are you going to tell me why you're following us or should I break something else".
Alex hadn't heard the soft footsteps coming up behind her and before she could react she felt something cold at her throat.
"Yeah, he hasn't had a watcher for years but he came across an Immortal that did."
"Joe, this is very nice back ground but what's his name"
The sound of the man crying out as Alex's knee smashed into his nose made Duncan turn, his blood running cold at the sound.
"I'll call you later Joe. I've gotta go" Duncan snapped the phone shut and thrust it into his pocket before Joe could tell him anymore. Duncan quickened his pace down the path he had seen Alex take.
As the cold steel bit into her neck, a voice heavily accented breathed into her ear "Why didn't you just come quietly?"
"I never do things quietly," Alex, said through gritted teeth as she was trying to see who was holding her. Alex then felt the man's body tense as it pressed against her.
"ALEX!" Duncan shouted as he ran round the bend in the path. As Duncan skidded to a halt it didn't take him long to take in the scene before him, a mortal groaning on the ground his face covered with blood and a young looking blonde haired Immortal with the blade of his German Sabre at Alex's throat.
"Let her go she's not part of this" Duncan growled as he pulled his katana from his coat.
"Arr. MacLeod this is most unfortunate. Our meeting wasn't supposed to happen yet," Christie said making sure to keep Alex between them.
Duncan could see the Immortal was shaken by his appearance as the colour had started to drain from his face. "Look if you want to challenge me I'm here. Just let her go".
Before the Immortal could answer the mortal started to struggle to his feet taking Duncan's attention. This gave Christie his chance to back away his sword still at Alex's throat. A well-placed kick from Duncan sent the mortal crashing back to the ground this time into oblivion. Duncan quickly focused back on the Immortal and he ran forward cutting off the Immortal's escape. As the Immortal stopped suddenly as Duncan blocked his path. His sword biting deeper into Alex's neck causing her face to grimace with the pain and a trickle of warm blood slowly ran down her neck.
"Look, We don't have to fight. You could let her go and leave. I don't have any quarrel with you" Duncan kept his voice calm and his free hand outstretched, he wanted the man as relaxed as possible so he might let his guard down even if it was just a little.
"And of course you're a man of your word" the Immortal sneered. "I've never met you. I see no reason for us to fight"
As he spoke Duncan noticed the sword relax slightly from Alex's throat. Alex looked across at Duncan their eyes met and she saw the slightest movement in Duncan's eyes and she hoped she was reading him right. "No one has to die here today. All I want is my friend"
Alex felt the sword at her throat drop away slightly; taking her chance she rammed her elbow as hard as she could into the Immortal's stomach. A split second later Alex stomped hard on the Immortal's instep causing the man's sword arm to drop further away from her neck and with as much power and speed as she could find Alex smashed her fist first into the man's nose before it smashing it into his groin. As the Immortal dropped his sword and doubled over with the pain Alex dived to the side rolling across the ground coming to her feet beside Duncan, who was grimacing at the pain the other Immortal, must have been feeling at the last blow. "That's gotta hurt".
Duncan didn't give the Immortal time to recover before bring his sword up to the man's neck.
"I knew you were a coward. Letting a girl do your fighting for you" Duncan looked round at Alex throwing her the car keys "Take the car and go back to the barge"
"What about you?" Alex questioned as she caught the keys. Duncan's eyes moved from her to the Immortal "You know our fight is one on one."
"But.."
"No Buts GO!" Duncan shouted before turning his attention back to the Immortal. "I don't let mortals fight for me and I don't hide behind women but I will fight when I'm challenged".
Alex hesitated for a moment before running up the path towards the car park. Duncan stepped back his sword dropping back to his side.
"Pick it up" Duncan said pointing his sword to where the German Sabre lay.
"I'm Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod" Duncan said as he brought his sword up into the on guard position.
"I'm Marcus Christie at your service" Christie said with a flourish of his hand.
"Well Marcus Christie you've been watching me a long time. I see no reason to prolong this game of yours any longer" Duncan said as he slowly walked around Christie.
Christie grinned, "you should've seen your face. Unnerved, off balance, unable to sleep. I was having so much fun. It's a shame that girl had to spoil things I had a lot more fun planned for you. I hate rushing things".
"Well let's have some fun now" Duncan said smiling as he lunged forward their swords meeting in a spray of spark.
Alex stopped the car on the quayside by the barge she sat staring out of the windscreen for what seemed an eternity before she managed to will her body to move. As she finally walked up the gangplank Alex felt distant and removed from the world around her, all her thoughts were with Duncan. Alex wandered through the barge towards the couch, sitting down on the edge, what could have happened and what might still happen played before her eyes. The inside of the barge disappeared as her eyes misted with tears
"How could I have been so stupid" she said out loud to the shadows before placing her head in her hands. 'If only I'd gone back to Duncan when I first saw that man but no you had to blunder in. Why didn't I think about another man.'
Alex slowly raised her head it was then that she noticed the red light blinking on the desk. Alex got to her feet and walked over to the desk, she sighed before pressing the play button as she had a feeling who the message was from.
The tape crackled before a familiar voice boomed out "Err this is McCormack Alex I have no choice I have to call you back Ray is missing he hasn't made his last 3 check ins. I've no one else that knows this group well enough to be of use. Call me. Usual number"
Alex rubbed her eyes she had tried not to think about her other life since McCormack's last call but now it couldn't be ignored. She turned and leaned back against the desk.
Duncan parried another blow from Christie "Not bad"
The force Christie now used took Duncan by surprise forcing him backwards defending all the way. Duncan had never met Christie before and had been slightly fooled by the Immortal's youthful appearance. It was a mistake he won't make again. Duncan jumped back arching his back away from Christie's lunge. Christie had been unprepared for his attack not to meet it's target sending him stumbling forward allow Duncan's blade to slice deep into Christie's left arm.
Duncan span round as he followed through with the cut adding a little flourish just to unnerve his opponent even further. Christie looked down at the blood as it spread its way through the fibres of his jacket. As Christie lifted his head Duncan could see the hate burning in his eyes as he lunged forward. The words of his clansman and teacher Connor drifted through his mind "anger doesn't give you an edge it blunts it".
An important lesson that had taken Duncan several times of finding himself on the wrong side of his clansman's sword before he realised what his teacher was telling him. Christie's sword clashed again with Duncan's the force of the attack forcing Duncan back against one of the large statues Christie pressing his sword down hard towards Duncan's chest. The tip of Christie's blade managed to just slice into Duncan's leather jacket.
"Are you going to tell me what I did that made you want my head" Duncan whispered breathlessly as he fought to keep his own blade from being pushed into his chest. "You killed a good friend".
Duncan tried to think of anyone that would possible match that brief description
"Who?" Duncan questioned before bring his right knee forcibly up into Christie's groin forcing him to back away. Duncan moved away from the statue his blade pointing at Christie. It wasn't long before Christie recovered bring his sword to on guard. Duncan flicked his sword just making contact with Christie's Sabre as he walked forward but as Duncan went to attack Christie moved his Sabre from side to side with what seemed like lighting speed.
"Arrr. I've seen that one before" Duncan said as he countered the attack Christie now launched "So you must have known Walter Reinhart"
"He was a great man and you killed him" Christie said pointing his sword towards Duncan before drawing his blade back before lunging forward his attack was ferocious forcing Duncan to parry blow after blow.
"Great man? He was a murderer" Duncan shouted back just before faking a fall a broad grin broke across Christie's face as he raised his sword over his head for the final blow. But before he could bring his sword down Duncan thrust his sword forward and upwards slicing through Christie's stomach, grinding across his ribcage as it tore through the tissue of his lung before piercing his heart. Christie stared down with a look of horror and fear in his eyes. His strength failing him as his Sabre fell from his grasp.
"I've a few fancy moves of my own" Duncan smiled as he pulled his blade from Christie's body. Duncan watched as Christie's hands fumbled as they tried to stop the blood that was now racing from his body. With the loss of blood Christie's strength failed him and he crumbled to his knees. Duncan stood up raising his sword over his head.
"Say hello to Walter for me" Duncan said just before he brought his sword down for one final blow, Christie's neck gave little resistance to Duncan's blade. Duncan managed to walk a little way from the body onto an area of green away from the statue before the quickening found him.
As Duncan neared the barge he could see Alex stood on the deck looking out across the river her arms folded tightly around her body. Wearily Duncan walked up the gangplank but as he reached the top he stopped, at Alex's feet was a black holdall. "You're leaving?"
The sound of Duncan's voice made Alex turned around. She had been rehearsing what she was going to say for what seemed like hours but as her eyes met his all her well-chosen words deserted her.
"I have to" she stammered.
"Can I at least know why?" Duncan asked as he walked towards her. Alex moved nearer to the edge of the barge her eyes scanning the far bank before turning back. "McCormack called he had to send Ray undercover with a group I've been dealing with and now he's missing".
"I thought you didn't want to go back?" Duncan said as he reached for Alex's arm. Alex felt the cool morning breeze on her face as she turned away, inside she could feel her heart breaking.
"I don't but I don't have a choice. I'm Ray's only chance." Alex said as turned back to face him.
Alex blinked back her tears "I don't know how to do anything else Duncan and there isn't anyone else. With Thomas dead and Ray missing I'm the best undercover agent he has"
"Then we'll go together," Duncan said gently taking Alex by the arm turning her towards him. Alex looked down at the deck before looking up into his eyes. "No, Duncan. Ray's not the only reason I have to leave."
"So what else?" Duncan asked as he looked into her eyes.
"As much as I want to be with you this is something that I have to do alone. I made you a promise but I can't just stand by" Duncan shook his head and as went to speak but Alex placed her hand on his lips stopping him.
"Duncan, You've given me more than I can ever repay. You gave me life when I was only just existing. But Thomas was right about me I take too many risk and I don't care who gets hurt, or at least I didn't. What I did this morning put you at risk. You could've been killed."
"So could you." Duncan said as he searched her eyes.
"Yes, I made a rookie's mistake I decide to take that guy down without thinking he would have help let alone it would be an Immortal. But when you came round the corner and saw the sword at my throat I saw the look in your eyes. It was there for the briefest time but it was still there. You considered doing what he asked and in that moment I knew that what I had just done could've cost you your life." Alex reached up her hand, her fingers lightly tracing the side of his face.
"I made you a promise to stay out of it, to keep you between me and the Immortal and I couldn't keep it for even a day" a single tear broke free, slowly running down her cheek.
"But you'll be risking your life if you go back."
Alex smiled weakly "Yes, but it's my life to risk. I don't have the right to risk yours. Our worlds aren't that different we both fight evil but we operate better in our own worlds. We know the risks and how to deal with them. I want to stay Duncan more than anything but before I can I have to work a few things out."
Duncan pulled Alex into his embrace.
"I'll be here when you do" Duncan's voice trembled as he spoke and he kissed her hair before resting his head on hers. Alex felt the warmth of his body as he held her tight. Alex was relieved when the sound of a car horn heralded the arrival of her cab, before his warmth melted all her resolve away. "That's my cab".
Duncan lifted her chin, looked deep into her eyes before kissing her tenderly on the lips. Alex finally pulled away picking up her bag with one hand while the other hand held onto his hand for as long as she could as she slowly walked to the gangplank. Alex sighed deeply "I'll miss you Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod."
As her fingers let go of his hand she wiped away the tears "take care".
As Alex walked towards the waiting cab Duncan called out "Alex! If you need anything, anything at all, you know where to find me."
Alex smiled and nodded "Thank you, Duncan that means a lot. Maybe I could spend some of the vacation I'm owed in Paris?"
Duncan smiled and nodded back "I'd like that. There's still so much I haven't shown you".
As Alex got into the cab Joe's car pulled up on quayside. Duncan could see the confused look on Joe's face as he got out and watched as the cab drove past with Alex hiding her face so the tears that were now streaming down her face could not be seen. "Was that Alex?"
"Yeah" Duncan nodded as he turned and made his way back into the barge.
"Yeah, is that all you've got to say. Well is she coming back?"
Duncan poured two glasses of whiskey handing one to Joe. "She has some things to take care of but I think she'll be back one day".
"You didn't let me finish telling you what my guys found out" Joe said as he walked over to the chair by the fire.
"I know the Immortal's name Joe. It was Marcus Christie" Duncan said as he took a sip of his whiskey before sitting down opposite Joe on the couch.
"Yeah, but he's not the one you need to worry about. The Immortal we had the watcher on was Stephan Niemann"
The look of recognition and disgust on Duncan's face as he drained the whisky from the glass wasn't missed by Joe, he knew some of the history between them from the Chronicles but he also knew it wasn't complete.
"Did you hear who I said?"
"Yes, Joe I heard and if he wants me he knows where I am". Joe shook his head at Duncan's matter a fact answer.
"Who do we stay with?" a voice came from the front of the limousine parked on the road above the quayside.
"We stay with the girl" came the heavily German accented voice from the rear as the smoke glass window glided up.
"But I thought your beef was with that guy?"
"It is but I have all the time in the world to settle that one".
The sequel will be coming soon.